Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for producing ozonated water on demand. In particular, these systems comprise a water source, an ozone source, and a nozzle that mixes ozone and water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead of requiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configured to form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle. Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water to be discharged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, the nozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharged. In some cases, the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increase mixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/306,168, filed Nov. 26, 2002, entitled “METHOD AND DEVICEFOR PRODUCING OZONE SANITATION OF VARIOUS OBJECTS,” which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/333,428, filed Nov.26, 2001, entitled “OZONE SANITATION UNIT;” the entire disclosures ofboth the Ser. No. 10/306,168 and the 60/333,428 applications are herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This application relates to systems and methods associated with ozonatedwater. In particular, this application discusses systems and methods forproducing an ozonated water solution (or ozonated water) on demand.

2. Background of the Invention and Related Art

Currently, techniques exist for the production of ozonated water. Forinstance, some conventional techniques for producing ozonated waterinvolve circulating water through a circulation loop that includes aventuri, which is connected to a supply of ozone. As the water passesthrough the venturi, ozone gas is sucked, according to Bernoulli'sprinciple, into the water flow. In this manner, the ozone is bubbledthrough and partially absorbed by the water. After the water has passedthrough the loop, the ozonated water can then be collected in apressurized tank and then be re-circulated through the circulation loopseveral more times to increase the concentration of ozone in the water.

Conventional techniques for producing ozonated water have shortcomings.For instance, because the venturi in many systems simply has a singleozone inlet, ozone tends to be drawn into the water in relatively largebubbles, which prevent the ozone from being efficiently absorbed. Forthis reason, such systems often require the water to be re-circulatedthrough the circulation line several times before the ozoneconcentration of the water is high enough for a desired use.Accordingly, such systems can be time consuming to use. Additionally,such systems often produce ozonated water that has a low or unknownozone concentration. Moreover, because only a relatively small amount ofthe ozone in the bubbles actually diffuses into the water and becauseozone tends to be released from ozonated water stored in a tank, suchsystems often off gas excessive amounts of ozone.

Because ozone gas, even in small concentrations, can be dangerous tohealth and be highly corrosive to metals and other materials, off-gassedozone from an ozonated water system is generally reduced to oxygenthrough the use of an ozone destructor. Conventional ozone destructorscomprise a small, strait, tube that contains a heat source or an ozonecatalyst that reduces ozone (2O₃) to oxygen (3O₂). Also, theseconventional destructors are often configured to be disposed on a tankof ozonated water so as to passively receive the off-gassed ozone.

Conventional ozone destructors also have their shortcomings. In oneexample, conventional ozone destructors do not thoroughly desiccate theair that passes through them. Because many ozone generators functionmore efficiently when using dry air, destructors that allow air to passthrough them and retain a relatively high amount of moisture can reducethe overall efficiency of systems that employ them. In another example,some conventional ozone destructors can be constricted in size and/or bedesigned to only passively receive air. Accordingly, such conventionaldestructors can greatly restrict the rate at which air can flow throughthem. As a result, such destructors can be practical for use only insmall areas, such as on top of a tank containing ozonated water. Instill another example, some ozone destructors that are configured forlarger amounts of air can be large and bulky.

Thus, while techniques currently exist that are used to produce ozonatedwater and to reduce off-gassed ozone, challenges still exist, includingthose mentioned above. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in theart to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This application relates to systems and methods associated with ozonatedwater. In particular, this application discusses systems and methods forproducing ozonated water on demand as well as for reducing off-gassedozone. In some implementations, these systems comprise a water source,an ozone source, an ozone destructor, and a nozzle that mixes ozone andwater to form a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution. Instead ofrequiring the ozonated water to be re-circulated through a recirculationloop to achieve a desired ozone concentration, the nozzle is configuredto form the ozonated water solution in a single pass through the nozzle.Additionally, instead of requiring the ozonated water solution to bedischarged into a pressurized tank to increase ozone absorption, thenozzle allows the ozonated water to be openly discharge. In some cases,the nozzle comprises a venturi with multiple ozone inlets to increasemixing. Additionally, in some cases the nozzle comprises a single passmixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone to form the highconcentrate, ozonated water solution in a single pass through thenozzle.

As mentioned, the systems can also comprise an ozone destructor.Generally, the ozone destructor comprises a housing that defines aplurality of chambers. In some cases, the destructor comprises a firstchamber and a second chamber, where the second chamber is offset to oneside of the first chamber. Additionally, the destructor comprises aventilation mechanism to pull or draw a large amount of air through thedestructor. The destructor can also comprise one or more reducingmechanisms (e.g., a heating mechanism or a catalyst) that reduce ozoneto oxygen. Among other things, the destructor can also comprise avariety of drying mechanisms, such as a desiccant, a chiller, demistingveins, etc. In this manner, the destructor can render ozone harmless anddry air for use in an ozone generator.

While the described systems, devices, methods, and processes have provento be particularly useful in the area of sanitizing food products, thoseskilled in the art can appreciate that the systems, methods, devices,and processes can be used in a variety of different applications and ina variety of different areas, including, but not limited to public watertreatment, sanitation of objects, household water treatment, swimmingpool and spa treatment, fish farming, ice manufacturing, municipalities,sewage treatment, lake/river treatment, and so forth.

These and other features and advantages will be set forth or will becomemore fully apparent in the description that follows and in the appendedclaims. The features and advantages may be realized and obtained bymeans of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out inthe appended claims. Furthermore, the features and advantages of thedescribed systems, methods, and devices may be learned by the practiceof the invention or will be obvious from the description, as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the manner in which the above-recited and other advantagesand features of the systems and methods are obtained, a more particulardescription of the described systems and methods will be rendered byreference to specific embodiments of the systems and methods, which areillustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawingsdepict only typical embodiments and are not therefore to be consideredlimiting in scope, the systems and methods will be described andexplained with additional specificity and detail through the use of theaccompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates some embodiments of a system for producing ozonatedwater on demand and for reducing off-gassed ozone;

FIG. 2 illustrates a view of some embodiments of ozonated water ondemand nozzle;

FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of some embodiments of the describednozzle;

FIGS. 4A-4G illustrate some views of components used in some embodimentsof the described nozzle;

FIGS. 5A-5J illustrate some views of components used in some embodimentsof the described nozzle;

FIG. 6 illustrates some embodiments of the described ozone destructor;

FIG. 7 depicts some embodiments of a method for using the system forproducing ozone-on-demand and for reducing off-gassed ozone; and

FIGS. 8-12 illustrate different applications for some embodiments of thesystem for producing ozonated water on demand and for reducingoff-gassed ozone.

In the Figures, the thickness and configuration of components can beexaggerated for clarity. The same reference numerals in differentFigures represent the same component.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It will be readily understood that the components of the systems andmethods for producing ozonated water on demand and for reducingoff-gassed ozone, as generally described and illustrated in the Figuresherein, could be arranged and designed in a wide variety of differentconfigurations. Thus, the following more detailed description of theembodiments of the described systems and methods, as represented inFIGS. 1 through 12, is not intended to limit the scope of the systemsand methods, as claimed, but is merely representative of presentlypreferred embodiments.

To better set forth the concepts and scope of the described systems andmethods, the following more detailed description is separated into twosections. The first section pertains to the specific elements, features,physical characteristics, functions, and various embodiments of thesystems for producing ozonated water on demand and for reducingoff-gassed ozone. The second section pertains to methods of using andmaking the described system as well as advantages associated with thedescribed systems and methods. Although the described methods utilizeone or more components of some embodiments of the described systems,other components, embodiments, methods, intended uses, etc. arecontemplated and intended to be within the scope of the describedsystems and methods.

Producing Ozonated Water on Demand and for Reducing Off-Gassed Ozone

This application relates to systems and methods for producing ozonatedwater and for reducing off-gassed ozone. Specifically, this applicationdiscusses a system for producing ozonated water on demand. In otherwords, this application discusses a system for combining water and ozoneand mixing the two in a manner that produces ozonated water withoutnecessarily cycling the water through a circulation line to achieve adesired ozone concentration, or charge. Because the system does notrequire the ozonated water to be cycled and recycled through acirculation line to achieve and maintain a desired charge, the describedsystems need not discharge the ozonated water into a pressurized tank.Thus, the system can openly discharge the ozonated water after a singlepass through the system. In addition, this application discusses anozone destructor that renders off-gassed ozone harmless.

Although the described system can comprise any component or device thatis suitable for use with a system for producing ozonated water and/orreducing off-gassed ozone, FIG. 1 shows some embodiments of the system10 for producing ozonated water on demand and reducing off-gassed ozone,wherein the system 10 comprises a water source (e.g., a water line 20),an ozone source (e.g., an ozone generator 30 and ozone line 32), anozzle (e.g., an ozonated water on-demand nozzle 100), and an ozonedestructor 200. To provide a better understanding of the system, a moredetailed description of each of the aforementioned components isprovided below.

As mentioned, the system can comprise a water source. The water sourcecan be any water source that provides water suitable for the productionof ozonated water, including a water source that is internal to (e.g., awater tank) or independent and external from the system (e.g., amunicipal water source). For example, FIG. 1 illustrates the watersource can comprise a water line 20 that is connected to an externalwater source.

The water source can have any component or characteristic suitable foruse in the production of ozonated water. For example, FIG. 1 illustratesthe water source (e.g., the water line 20) can comprise a water filter22 and/or a valve 24 that controls the flow of the water and/or mixesthe water with water of a different temperature (e.g., a hot and/or coldwater tap).

The system can also comprise an ozone source. The ozone source can beany device or apparatus that is adapted to supply ozone gas to thesystem at a concentration sufficient for the production of ozonatedwater. For example, FIG. 1 shows the ozone source can be any known ornovel ozone generator 30. Some non-limiting examples of suitable ozonegenerators can include generators that form ozone through a coronadischarge, ultraviolet light, or cold plasma method. Additionally, whileFIG. 1 shows the ozone source can comprise a single ozone generator 30,the system can comprise any suitable number of ozone generators.

In some preferred embodiments, the system comprises an ozone generatorthat forms ozone through the corona discharge method. In this method,concentrated oxygen can be provided by an oxygen source, such as anoxygen tank or the oxygen generator 40 shown in FIG. 1. The concentratedoxygen can then be delivered into the ozone generator 30, where anadditional oxygen atom is temporarily bonded to the oxygen molecule,resulting in the formation of ozone. Stated differently, the ozonegenerator 30 produces or creates a temporary triatomic oxygen substance(O₃), or ozone, by adding an extra oxygen atom to the oxygen gas (O₂)from the oxygen source (e.g., oxygen generator 40).

The produced ozone is a natural cleaning agent. For instance, it hasbeen determined that ozone is approximately 52% stronger than chlorinein getting rid of approximately 90% of the bacteria found on food.Additionally, the produced ozone tends to have a very short half-lifecompared to chemicals like chlorine. In fact, because the ozone ishighly unstable, it almost immediately returns to its naturalequilibrium or resting state of O₂ if allowed to do so.

The system can combine ozone and water to form an ozonated watersolution in any manner that produces ozonated water with a desired ozoneconcentration in a single pass through the system. In other words, thesystem can mix the ozone and water in virtually any manner that does notrequire the ozonated water to be re-circulated through a circulationline to increase the ozone concentration in the solution. For example,FIG. 1 shows embodiments where the system 10 combines ozone from theozone line 32 and water from the water line 20 together in an ozonatedwater on demand nozzle 100 to form ozonated water. Such a nozzle cancomprise any nozzle capable of combining ozone and water to form adesired concentration of ozonated water in a single pass through thenozzle.

Moreover, the nozzle can include any component that allows it to combineozone and water to form highly concentrated, ozonated water in a singlepass through the nozzle. For example, FIG. 2 shows some embodimentswhere the nozzle 100 comprises a body 102 with a first end 104 and asecond end 106. FIG. 2 further shows the nozzle 100 can have multipleozone inlet ports 108 and water inlet port 110. Additionally, FIG. 3shows an exploded view of some embodiments of the nozzle 100, whereinthe nozzle includes a venturi 112 and a single pass mixing mechanism130.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, in some embodiments, water can enter through awater inlet Port 110 in the first end 104 of the nozzle 100, ozone canenter through the ozone inlet ports 108, the ozone and water can passthrough the single pass mixing mechanism 130, and a high concentrateozonated water solution can exit through the second end 106 of thenozzle 100. To provide a better understanding of the nozzle, theaforementioned components of the nozzle are described below in moredetail.

Generally, the nozzle can comprise a body, which can have virtually anydesired characteristic. For instance, the body can be any suitable size(e.g., length, diameter, height, width, etc.). Additionally, the bodycan be any suitable shape, including being substantially cylindrical,tubular, cuboidal, etc. For example, FIG. 2 shows the body 102 can besubstantially cylindrical.

The nozzle comprises a water inlet port. In fact, the nozzle can haveany suitable number of water inlet ports. By way of example, FIG. 2shows some embodiments where the nozzle 100 comprises 1 water inlet port110. However, in another example (not shown), the nozzle can comprise aplurality of water inlets.

The nozzle also comprises at least one ozone inlet port that allowsozone to enter the nozzle. Indeed, the nozzle can comprise any number ofozone inlet ports that improves the absorption of ozone into water. Forinstance, the nozzle can comprise as many as 200 ozone inlet ports or asfew as 2. In one example, the nozzle comprises from about 2 to about 12ozone inlets. In another example, the nozzle comprises from about 3 toabout 6 ozone inlets. In still another example, FIG. 2 shows the nozzle100 can comprise 4 ozone inlets ports 108 (the forth being out of view).

The water and ozone inlet ports can have any characteristic orconfiguration suitable for use with the nozzle. For example, the inletscan be any appropriate size or shape. Additionally, the inlets can belocated in any suitable location on the nozzle. For example, FIG. 2shows the ozone inlet ports 108 can be disposed in the side of thenozzle 100. The nozzle can also be adapted to be connected to the watersource in any suitable manner. For example, FIG. 2 shows the first end104 of the nozzle can be adapted to threadingly attach to the water line20 of FIG. 1. Similarly, the ozone inlet port can be adapted to beconnected the ozone source in any suitable manner. For example, FIG. 2shows the ozone inlet ports 108 can be shaped so as to frictionallyengage an ozone line 42 (shown in FIG. 1).

In some embodiments, the nozzle comprises a venturi. The venturi can bepart of or separate from the nozzle body. Furthermore, the venturi canhave any characteristic that permits water to flow through it in such amanner that ozone gas is drawn into the water. For example, the venturican include a water passage that comprises a constriction and one ormore ozone inlets channels. As water passes through the constriction insuch a venturi, the velocity of water increases and the pressure of thewater is caused to drop. Accordingly, the flow of water through theconstriction can tend to draw ozone from the ozone source, through theozone inlets in the venturi and into the water.

The venturi can include any number of pieces that allows it function asdescribed. For example, the venturi can be a single-piece unit or, asshown in FIG. 3, the venturi 112 can comprise multiple pieces.Specifically, FIG. 3 shows some embodiments where the venturi 112 isdivided into two pieces, the venturi nozzle 118 and the venturi diffuser120. Although the venturi nozzle can serve many purposes, FIG. 3 showssome instances where a first end 122 of the venturi nozzle 118 serves tofunnel water from the water inlet port 110 down to the constriction 124in the venturi diffuser 120. Additionally, in some cases, a second end126 of the venturi nozzle 118 is configured to fit in and abut the firstend 128 of the venturi diffuser 120 so as to allow the ozone inlets(discussed below) to pass between the two. For example, FIG. 4 e showsthe venturi nozzle 118 can have grooves between its first end 122 andsecond end 126 that act as ozone inlets 116 when the venturi nozzle 118is seated against the venturi diffuser 120.

The venturi can have any number of ozone inlets that allows the venturito draw a sufficient amount of ozone into the water. In preferredembodiments, however, the venturi comprises a plurality of ozone inlets.For instance, the venturi can have from about 2 to about 200 inlets.However, in some instances, the venturi comprises from about 2 to about10 inlets. In some preferred instances, the venturi comprises from about4 to about 6 inlets. While not necessary, the venturi can have one ozoneinlet for each corresponding inlet port of the nozzle. For example, aventuri used in a nozzle that has 4 ozone inlet ports can also comprise4 corresponding ozone inlets, as is the case in FIG. 4 e.

A plurality of inlets can be advantageous for several reasons. Forinstance, a plurality of inlets can mix the ozone and water better thana venturi with a single inlet. In one example showing the benefit ofmultiple inlets, a venturi with multiple inlets can be able to havesmaller inlets without reducing the total amount of ozone that can bedrawn into the venturi. Thus, such a venturi can produce smaller bubblesof ozone that provide increased ozone absorption over the larger bubblesthat are typically produced by a venturi with a single inlet. In anotherexample, a venturi with multiple inlets can be able to draw in and mix alarger amount of ozone, more efficiently, than can a venturi with asingle inlet.

Additionally, the ozone inlets in the venturi can have anycharacteristic suitable to allow ozone to flow through them and into thewater at a desired rate. For example, the ozone inlets can be anysuitable size or shape that allows ozone to pass through the venturi andinto the water.

After the water has passed through the venturi and the ozone has beendrawn into the water, the system can be configured to mix the two in amanner that forms a highly concentrated, ozonated water solution in asingle pass through the nozzle. For example, the nozzle can comprise asingle pass mixing mechanism that mixes the water and ozone sufficientlyso that the ozonated water that exits the nozzle has a desired ozoneconcentration. Additionally, while the single pass mixing mechanism 130can be incorporated into the nozzle 100, as is illustrated in FIG. 3, inother embodiments, the mixing mechanism need not be directly attached tothe nozzle.

After a single pass through the nozzle and/or mixing mechanism, theozonated water can have any suitable concentration of ozone. Forexample, the ozonated water can have an ozone concentration betweenabout 0.01 parts per million (“ppm”) and about 50 ppm. In anotherexample, the ozonated water produced can have an ozone concentrationbetween about 1 and about 10 ppm. Indeed, in a preferred example, theozonated water produced by the system can have a concentration betweenabout 1.5 ppm and about 5 ppm.

The mixing mechanism can have any component or characteristic thatallows it to mix ozone and water to form ozonated water with a suitableozone concentration in a single pass through the mixing mechanism. FIG.3 illustrates that, in some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 130 cancomprise one or more helical mixers 132, laminators 134, meshes 136,and/or injector caps 138; each of which is respectively discussed below.

In some embodiments, the mixing mechanism comprises a helical mixer.Such a helical mixer can serve many purposes, including causing theozone and water to be swirled and form a vortex as they pass through thehelical mixer. Accordingly, the helical mixer can cause improved mixingand ozone absorption within the water. Although the helical mixer canhave any characteristic that allows it to cause the water and ozone toswirl and mix, FIGS. 3, 5 i, and 5 j show that, in some cases, thehelical mixer 132 can have a ring-like shape. In such cases, theinternal surface of the helical mixer can be configured to cause thesolution to swirl. For example, the inner surface of the helical mixercan have helical grooves or ridges that cause the solution to swirl.

In some circumstances, the mixing mechanism comprises a laminator. Thelaminator can serve several purposes, such as further increasing themixing of the water and ozone by channeling the water as it passesthrough the laminator. The laminator can have any characteristic thatallows it to channel the ozonated water as the solution passes throughthe laminator. For example, FIGS. 3, 5 d, 5 e, and 5 f show someembodiments of the laminator 134 that comprise a plurality of holespassing through it. Even though the laminator 134 can have any number ofholes, with any suitable characteristic, FIG. 5 d show implementationswhere the laminator 134 comprises 6 circular holes that runsubstantially parallel with the length of the nozzle body. Although theinner surfaces of the laminator can be configured to cause the solutionto swirl, in other instances, the inner surfaces of the laminator can besmooth.

FIG. 3 shows that, in some embodiments, the mixing mechanism 130comprises at least one mesh 136. This mesh can serve many purposes,including reducing the size of the ozone bubbles to increase the surfacearea of the ozone gas within the water and causing the water and ozonemixture to be further mixed. The mesh can comprise any characteristicknown to meshes that is appropriate for use with ozonated water and canincrease mixing. For example, the mesh can have any suitable screen meshsize known in the art. In another example, FIG. 3 shows the mesh cancomprise a single layer of mesh 136 that is disposed substantiallyperpendicular to the length of the nozzle body 102. Nevertheless, inother embodiments, the mixing mechanism can comprise a plurality of meshlayers. For example, the mixing mechanism can comprise from about 2 toabout 200 mesh layers. In another example, the mixing mechanism cancomprise between about 3 and about 12 mesh layers. In still anotherexample, the mixing mechanism can comprise from about 4 to about 8 meshlayers. In some preferred embodiments, however, the mixing mechanismcomprises about 6 mesh layers. In each of the aforementioned examplesconcerning a plurality of mesh layers, each mesh layer can be separatedfrom another layer by any desired distance, including, but not limitedto, 1/64, ⅛, ¼, ½, or 1 inch. However, in yet other embodiments, thelayers of mesh need not be evenly separated and/or disposedperpendicular to the nozzle body. For instance, the mesh can be waddedor folded within the mixing mechanism as desired.

According to some implementations, the mixing mechanism comprises aninjector cap. The injector cap can serve many purposes, such as holdingcomponents (e.g., the laminator, the helical mixer, and/or the mesh)within the mixing mechanism and channeling the ozonated water as itexits the mixer. The injector cap can channel the ozonated water invirtually any desired manner, including as a stream, a mist, a spray,etc. The injector cap can comprise any characteristic suitable forachieving its intended purposes. For example, FIG. 3 shows the injectorcap 138 can comprise a hollow sleeve with a first end 142 that isconnectable to the nozzle body 102 and a second end 142 that comprises alip 144. In such embodiments, the lip both serves to channel theozonated water and to retain other components within the mixingmechanism.

In addition to the aforementioned components, the nozzle and/or mixingmechanism can comprise virtually any other component or characteristicthat improves the function of the mixing mechanism and/or nozzle. Forexample, the inner surface of the venturi diffuser can comprise grooves,veins, indentations, ridges, or protuberances that act to increasemixing or swirling of the ozone and water. In another example, themixing mechanism can comprise one or more balls. In such instances, theozone and water can be forced to flow around the balls in a manner thatcauses increased mixing of the ozone and water. In still anotherexample, the nozzle and/or mixing mechanism can comprise one or moreo-rings, seals, and/or gaskets. For instance, FIG. 3 illustrates someembodiments where the nozzle 100 and mixing mechanism comprise an o-ring146 and seals 148.

Even though nozzle and mixing mechanism have proven useful for mixingozone and water in a single pass through system, the system is alsocapable of incorporating other known materials (e.g., sanitizing agents,disinfecting agents, antibiotics, etc.) into the ozonated watersolution. In fact, sanitizing and disinfectant agents can actually besafer when used with the system because the agents can be metered forexact dilution and the amount of handling the dangerous cleaning agentsby a user can be reduced. These additional agents can be added to theozonated water solution in any suitable manner, including by being addedto the water source, the ozone source, or by being added separately.

Due to the hazardous nature of ozone, in some embodiments, the systemcan comprise an ozone destructor. The ozone destructor can receive aircontaining ozone, ozonated water vapor, and/or water vapor, and causethem to return to their natural resting state of equilibrium as oxygen(O₂) and/or water (H₂O).

The ozone destructor can comprise any component that allows it toaccomplish its intended purposes. For example, FIG. 6 shows thedestructor 200 can comprise a housing 202 and one or more air inlets204, drying mechanisms (e.g., a demisting vein 206, a desiccant 208 and210, and/or a chiller 212), ozone reducing mechanisms (e.g., a heaterrod 214 and a catalyst 216), ventilating mechanisms 218 (e.g., fan 218),and/or air outlets 220.

As mentioned, the destructor can comprise a housing. The housing canhave any characteristic suitable for use in an ozone destructor. Forexample, the housing can be any shape, including, but not limited to,cylindrical, elongated cuboidal, rectangular, tubular, irregular, and soforth. For example, FIG. 6 shows a cross sectional view of thedestructor 200 where the housing 202 is substantially tubular.Additionally, the housing can be any suitable size (e.g., length, width,height, diameter, etc.). Accordingly, the destructor can be adapted to avariety of applications, which require different amounts of air to bepassed through the destructor.

The housing can define an air passage duct 221. The air passage duct canhave any characteristic suitable for use in an ozone destructor. Forinstance, the housing can define a plurality of chambers. By way ofnon-limiting example, FIG. 6 shows the housing 202 can comprise at least2 chambers, a first 222 and a second chamber 224. The multiple chamberscan perform several functions, including allowing the air and ozone tobe incrementally dried and reduced, respectively, as they pass throughthe various chambers.

Where the housing has multiple chambers, the various chambers can beconnected to each other with any suitable relation. For example,although the first and second chamber can be connected end to end sothat the housing has a length that is substantially equal to the lengthof the two chambers, end to end. However, in preferred embodiments, oneor more of the chambers is offset to one side another chamber so thatthe length of the housing is approximately the length of the longestchamber. For example, the first and the second chamber can run at anangle to, be perpendicular to, or be parallel with each other. Forinstance, FIG. 6 shows some embodiments where the first chamber isoffset to one side of the second chamber, and the two chambers runsubstantially parallel with each other. As illustrated in FIG. 6, thefirst chamber 222 extends from a first end 223 to a second end 225 wherethe duct is bent at about a 180 degree angle so that the duct continuesto extend from the first end 225 of the second chamber 224 to its secondend 225. As shown in this example, the ozone destructor can comprise anair passage duct that is approximately twice the length of a singlechamber, while the length of the housing remains approximately thelength of one chamber. This increased length can better allow thedestructor to dry and reduce the air and ozone, while providing room foradditional components that do not typically fit within a conventionaldestructor.

In some implementations, the destructor comprises an air inlet throughwhich air containing ozone, ozonated, water vapor, or water vapor canenter the destructor. The air inlet can have any characteristic thatallows it to receive ozonated air and/or water vapor from a source thatreleases ozone. For example, the air inlet can be any suitable size. Forinstance, the air inlet can have a diameter as small as 1/64 of an inchor as large as 20 feet. However, in preferred embodiments the air inlethas a diameter between about 1 and about 6 inches. Indeed, in someembodiments, the air inlet has a diameter of about 2 inches. In anotherexample, the air inlet can be adapted to be connected to an apparatusthat channels air to the air inlet. For example, the air inlet can beadapted to be connected to a hose that channels air containing ozonefrom an ozone source, such as an ozone generator or a tank containingozonated water. In another example, the air inlet can be adapted to beconnected to vent hood 226 (as shown in FIG. 1) that channels ambientair into the air inlet.

In some embodiments, the destructor can comprise one or more mechanismsfor drying the air. By acting to dry the air, the drying mechanisms canallow the ozone in the air and/or ozonated water vapor to be reducedmore easily. Additionally, because dry air can increase the efficiencyof an ozone generator using the dry air, in some embodiments, the dryingmechanism is used by the ozone generator to generate ozone. In order todry the air, the destructor can comprise any known or novel dryingmechanism suitable for use in an ozone destructor. According to someembodiments, FIG. 6 shows that some examples of suitable dryingmechanisms can include demisting veins 206, a desiccant 208 and 210, anda chiller 212.

Where the destructor comprises one or more demisting veins, thedemisting veins can be located in any suitable location or with anysuitable orientation and/or configuration in the destructor that allowsthem to reduce moisture in the air that passes through the destructor.For example, FIG. 6 shows the demisting veins 206 can be disposed nearthe air inlet 204 so that as air enters the air passage duct 221, theair is caused to move past the demisting veins 206. Additionally, FIG. 6shows some embodiments where the veins 206 are oriented so as to be in azig-zagged configuration. In such embodiments, the zig-zaggedconfiguration can cause the air to be directed into contact with anothervein and can further allow water vapor to condense on the veins and/orto drip back towards the air inlet.

The demisting veins can also have any characteristic that allows them toreduce the moisture content of the air that passes through thedestructor. In one example, the demisting veins have a rough or a smoothsurface, are made of a material that has a specific heat conducive tocondensing water vapor or water mist, or are otherwise configured tocollect moisture. In another example, the demisting veins are chilled orrefrigerated to collect water. For instance, chilled demisting veins mayact to collect and freeze moisture. In such instances, the water may beremoved from the veins in any suitable manner, including by defrostingthe veins.

In some embodiments, the drying mechanism can comprise a desiccant thatabsorbs moisture from the air. Although the destructor can comprise anysuitable desiccant, some non-limiting examples of suitable desiccantscan include a molecular sieve desiccant, a montmorillonite claydesiccant, a silica gel desiccant, an activated alumina desiccant, acalcium oxide desiccant, and/or a calcium sulfate desiccant. FIG. 6illustrates that, in some embodiments, an activated alumina desiccant208 and a molecular sieve desiccant 210, such as a porous crystallinealuminosilicate, can be used to remove moisture from the air passingthough the destructor 200.

In some instances, the drying mechanism can comprise a chiller. In suchinstances, the chiller can serve to pull moisture from the air as theair is refrigerated. Additionally, where the destructor comprises aheating mechanism (described below), the chiller can also serve to lowerthe temperature of the heated air before it is exhausted from thedestructor. To accomplish the intended purposes, any suitable chillerknown in the art can be used with the destructor. For example, FIG. 6shows embodiments where the destructor 200 can comprise a ¼″ copper coilwith a chiller 212. In such embodiments, some of the water moisture inthe air passing through the destructor can condense on the coils of thechiller. FIG. 6 also shows the condensed water from the chiller can beabsorbed by a desiccant (e.g., the activated alumina desiccant 208).

The destructor can comprise one or more mechanisms for reducing ozone tooxygen. Indeed, the destructor can comprise any known or novel mechanismfor reducing ozone, including, but not limited to, a heating mechanismand/or a catalyst for reducing ozone to oxygen.

Where the reducing mechanism comprises a heating mechanism, thedestructor can comprise any known or novel heating mechanism suitablefor reducing ozone to oxygen. Some non-limiting examples of suitableheating mechanisms can comprise a heater rod, heater plate, heater coil,etc. For instance, FIG. 6 shows some embodiments where the destructor200 comprises a heater rod 214. Additionally, the heating mechanism canbe controlled in a variety of manners, including, but not limited to,the use of a manual switch or a temperature controlled switch. Forexample, FIG. 6 shows some embodiments where the heater rod 214 iscontrolled by the temperature controlled switch 228.

Where the reducing mechanism comprises a catalyst, the destructor canuse any suitable catalyst that can reduce ozone to its natural state ofequilibrium as oxygen. Some non-limiting examples of such catalysts caninclude manganese oxide, manganese dioxide-copper oxide, vanadium oxide,and/or magnesium oxide. In some preferred embodiments, the catalyst cancomprise a manganese dioxide catalyst, such as CARULITE® produced byCARUS CO.®.

Although the heating mechanism and catalyst can be used separately, FIG.6 illustrates some embodiments where the destructor 200 comprises both aheating rod 214 and catalyst 216. Such embodiments can be more efficientat reducing ozone than can embodiments that comprise only one or theother. As a result, embodiments that comprise both a heating mechanismand a catalyst can be preferred where a high volume of air passesthrough the destructor.

In some embodiments, the destructor can optionally comprise aventilation mechanism that acts to pull or push air through the airduct. Thus, a ventilation mechanism can greatly increase the amount ofair that passes through the destructor. Any conventional mechanism thatserves to pull or push air through the air duct and is suitable for usewith an ozone destructor can be used to increase air flow. For example,FIG. 6 shows a fan 218 can be used to increase air flow through thedestructor 200.

The ventilation mechanism can have any characteristic suitable for usewith the described destructor. For example, the ventilating mechanismcan be of any suitable size or speed. Because the catalyst can moreefficiently reduce ozone when air is moved at an optimal range ofspeeds, it can be beneficial to have the ventilation air move within theoptimal range of speeds. In one example, it can be beneficial to havethe air between about 2 feet per second and at about 1 foot per secondalong the length of the catalyst. Accordingly, the ventilating mechanismcan be adapted to move air through the destructor at a suitable rate. Inone example of a suitable rate, the ventilating mechanism can move airthrough the destructor at between about 1 and about 1,000 cubic feet perminute (“CFPM”) or more. In another example, the ventilating mechanismcan be adapted to create an air flow of up to about 100 cfpm. Indeed,FIG. 6 shows that, in some embodiments, the fan 218 can move air throughthe destructor 200 at about 60 cfpm±10 cfpm.

After air passes through the destructor, the air can be exhausted fromthe destructor through one or more air outlets. In some cases, the airis exhausted to atmosphere. However, in other cases, because the air hasbeen thoroughly dried, the air can be exhausted into an air intake of anoxygen or ozone generator. In still other cases, FIG. 6 shows that aircan exit to atmosphere (e.g., through the air outlet 220) or air canexit to the ozone generator 40.

In addition to the previously mentioned components, the destructor cancomprise any other component that is suitable for use with the describeddestructor. In one example, the destructor can comprise an air filter(not shown) that is disposed near the air inlet to remove dust anddebris from the air. In another example, FIG. 6 shows that where thedestructor comprises a heating mechanism, the destructor 200 cancomprise an insulation jacket 230. The insulation jacket can helpmaintain the desired temperature in the destructor as well as to reducethe temperature of the outside of the destructor. In still anotherexample, FIG. 6 illustrates that the destructor 200 can comprise aninspection window 232. Such a window can be useful for monitoring thedesiccant and determining whether the desiccant should be replaced. Inyet another example, FIG. 6 shows the destructor 200 can comprise one ormore air deflectors 234 to direct the air from the first chamber 222 tothe second chamber 224.

While the ozone destructor can be particularly useful with the describedsystem, the ozone destructor need not be used in conjunction with thesystem. In fact, the ozone destructor can be used with any suitablesystem, device, method, etc. that releases ozone and/or ozonated watervapor. For example, the ozone destructor can be used in conjunction withconventional systems for producing ozonated water, ozone generators,drains, recipients (e.g., the wash basin 236 in FIG. 1, a swimming pool,ice maker, sink, wash basin, cistern, etc.), and so forth that can beassociated with ozonated water.

Associated Methods and Advantages

Although the system can be used in any suitable manner, a non-limitingexample of how it can be used is given herein. Specifically, FIG. 7shows that, according to some embodiments, use of the system begins at300 by supplying water to the nozzle. As discussed earlier, the watercan be provided from any suitable source.

At 302, FIG. 7 shows the water can optionally be heated or cooled.Because ozone concentrations can be higher in colder water, in somecircumstances, it can be beneficial to cool the water to a lowtemperature (e.g. between about 33 and about 45 degrees Fahrenheit).Although ozone concentration can be reduced as the temperature of thewater increases, in some instances, higher temperatures (e.g., betweenabout 88 and about 112 degrees Fahrenheit or between about 112 and about220 degrees Fahrenheit) can be actually be preferred. For example, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/306,168, entitled “Method and Device forProviding Ozone Sanitation of Various Objects” discusses using ozonatedwater at higher temperatures to rehydrate food items. Indeed, thetemperature of the water and/or ozonated water solution can be varied asdesired while using the system. For example the water can be heated orcooled, before, during, and/or after it is ozonated. By way of example,FIG. 1 shows the water line can comprise a heater and/or cooler 238.

At 304, FIG. 7 shows the method can continue by supplying ozone to thenozzle. Then, 306 shows the movement of water through the venturi canact to draw ozone into the water. Because the nozzle allows ozone to bemixed with water to form a high concentrate ozonated water in a singlepass through the nozzle (shown at 308), a constant supply of ozone neednot be supplied to the nozzle. Instead, ozone can be supplied to thenozzle when desired. For instance, non-ozonated water can run from thenozzle to rinse dirt or other debris from an object. Then, when desired,ozone can be supplied to the nozzle and ozonated water can be producedfor another desired purpose, such as sanitizing an object.

Because the nozzle allows the ozonated water to have a highconcentration of ozone without being stored in a pressurized tank andbeing re-cycled through a circulation loop, FIG. 7 at 310 shows theozonated water can be openly discharged from the nozzle. For instance,water and ozone can enter the nozzle and ozonated water can bedischarged directly from the nozzle on to an object to sanitize theobject. Finally, at 314, FIG. 7 shows that any ozone that is off gassedfrom the ozonated water solution can be rendered harmless by the ozonedestructor.

While the system can be used for practically any application thatinvolves ozonated water, FIGS. 8-10 illustrate some typicalapplications. For example, FIG. 8 shows some embodiments where multiplenozzles are used to openly discharge ozonated water into an industrialozone soak tank with assisted mixers to aid in washing and sanitizing.In another example, FIG. 9 illustrates a representative embodiment inwhich the system is used to sanitize water for residential use. In stillanother example, FIG. 10 shows a representative embodiment in which thesystem is used to sanitize water for the making of ice. In a yet anotherexample, FIG. 11 shows the system can be configured to openly dischargeozonated water into a recipient, such as a pool or spa. Finally, FIG. 12shows a representative embodiment of the system used in conjunction witha water chill tank.

Specifically, FIG. 12 shows the system comprises a float valve no. 1through which water enters the water chill tank. Additionally, FIG. 12shows the system comprises a refrigeration compressor, which isconnected to a cooling coil, and a pump, which is configured tocirculate and re-circulate water past the coils and/or to a separatesoak tank. As shown, a valve, in combination with the pump, directswater from the chill tank to the nozzle. At the nozzle, ozone from theozone generator is mixed with the water to form ozonated water. In turn,FIG. 12 shows the nozzle feeds the ozonated water into the soak tank,where an objected can be washed and disinfected. Finally, FIG. 12 showsthat off-gassed ozone can be reduced by the ozone destructor.

The various components of the system (e.g., the nozzle and destructor)can be constructed from any material suitable for use with ozone,ozonated water, and ozonated water vapor. Some non-limiting examples ofsuitable materials can include a metal, a metal alloy (e.g., stainlesssteel), a polymer, an elastomeric material, a rubber, a plastic,polyvinyl chloride, a ceramic, composites, and combinations thereof.Additionally, the various components of the system can be made in anysuitable manner, including but not limited to methods involvingextrusion, stamping, etching, molding, cutting, etc.

The described systems and methods can provide several advantages overconventional methods. For example, because the ozonated water can beproduced in a single pass through the nozzle, the nozzle can save timeover conventional systems that require the ozonated water to bere-circulated through a circulation loop. Additionally, because thedescribed system does not require a recirculation loop and/or apressurized tank, the described system can be less expensive and requireless room. Moreover, in some cases, the described system can provide ahigher concentration of ozone in the ozonated water than other systems.

The described destructor can also provide several advantages overconventional ozone destructors. For example, because the destructor canhave multiple chambers, the destructor can progressively dry the air andreduce ozone. Accordingly, the destructor can be more effective thansome conventional ozone destructors.

Additionally, because the destructor can have a relatively large airintake and/or a ventilation mechanism, the destructor can be able to dryand reduce a larger amount of air and ozone than some conventionaldestructors. Moreover, because the first chamber of the destructor canbe offset to one side of the second chamber, the destructor does notrequire much more room than a conventional ozone destructor.

The present invention can be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. Moreover, thedescribed embodiments are to be considered, in all respects, onlyillustrative and not restrictive. As such, the scope of the invention isindicated by the appended claims, rather than by the foregoingdescription. All changes that come within the meaning and range ofequivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A nozzle for producing ozonated water on demand, comprising: a nozzlebody that is adapted to be connected to a water source and an ozonesource; a venturi that is adapted to allow water to flow through it in amanner that draws ozone into the water; and a single pass mixingmechanism that is adapted to mix ozone with water to form a highlyconcentrated, ozonated water solution in a single pass through themixing mechanism, wherein the mixing mechanism comprises a helical mixerwith a substantially straight bore having an internal surface shaped tocause the ozone and water to mix, and wherein the mixing mechanismfurther comprises a laminator that includes a plurality of holes thatrun substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a longest length ofthe nozzle body.
 2. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the venturi comprisesmultiple ozone inlets.
 3. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle isadapted to openly discharge the ozonated water solution.
 4. The nozzleof claim 1, wherein the mixing mechanism comprises at least one meshadapted to break ozone bubbles into smaller bubbles.
 5. The nozzle ofclaim 4, wherein the mixing mechanism comprises two or more layers ofmesh.
 6. The nozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle comprises a waterinlet at its first end and an ozonated water outlet at its second end,which is substantially opposite to the first end, and wherein the mixingmechanism is adapted to release the ozonated water solution from theozonated water outlet at a concentration between about 1 ppm to about 10ppm after a single pass directly through the mixing mechanism.
 7. Thenozzle of claim 1, wherein the nozzle is adapted to produce ozonatedwater with an ozone concentration between about 1 ppm and about 10 ppm.8. A system for producing ozonated water on demand, the systemcomprising: a water source; an ozone source; and a nozzle comprising: atleast one water inlet port that is adapted to receive water from thewater source; at least one ozone inlet that is adapted to receive ozonefrom the ozone source; a venturi that is adapted to allow the water toflow through it in a manner that draws the ozone into the water; and asingle pass mixing mechanism that is adapted to mix the ozone with thewater to form a high concentrate, ozonated water solution in a singlepass through the mixing mechanism, wherein the mixing mechanismcomprises a laminator that includes a plurality of holes that runsubstantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of a longest length of thenozzle body, and wherein the mixing mechanism further comprises ahelical mixer having a ring-like shape with an internal feature that isshaped to cause the ozone and the water to swirl and mix.
 9. The systemof claim 8, wherein the venturi comprises multiple ozone inlets.
 10. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the nozzle is adapted to receive water at afirst nozzle end and to openly discharge the high concentrate, ozonatedwater solution at a second nozzle end, disposed opposite to the firstnozzle end.
 11. The system of claim 8, wherein the nozzle is adapted toproduce ozonated water with an ozone concentration selected from: (a)about 0.01 ppm to about 50 ppm: (b) about 1 ppm and about 10 ppm; and(c) about 1.5 ppm and about 5 ppm.
 12. The system of claim 8, whereinthe mixing mechanism comprises at least one mesh adapted to break ozonebubbles into smaller bubbles.
 13. The system of claim 12, wherein themixing mechanism further comprises multiple layers of mesh.
 14. A nozzlefor producing ozonated water on demand, comprising: a nozzle bodyadapted to be connected to a water source and an ozone source; a venturiadapted to allow water to flow through it in a manner that draws ozoneinto the water; and a single pass mixing mechanism that is adapted tomix ozone with water to form a highly concentrated, ozonated watersolution in a single pass through the mixing mechanism, wherein themixing mechanism comprises a helical mixer with a substantially straightbore having an internal feature shaped to cause the ozone and water tomix, wherein the mixing mechanism further comprises a laminator thatincludes a plurality of holes that run substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of a longest length of the nozzle body; wherein thenozzle comprises a water inlet at its first end and an ozonated wateroutlet at its second end, which is opposite to the first end; andwherein the helical mixer and the laminator are disposed between theventuri and the ozonated water outlet.
 15. The nozzle of claim 14,wherein the mixing mechanism is adapted to release the ozonated watersolution from the ozonated water outlet at a concentration between about1 ppm to about 10 ppm after a single pass directly through the nozzle.16. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the mixing mechanism furthercomprises multiple layers of mesh.
 17. The nozzle of claim 14, whereinthe venturi comprises a venturi nozzle and a separate venturi diffuser,and wherein the venturi nozzle comprises multiple grooves that act asthe ozone inlet ports.
 18. The nozzle of claim 14, wherein the nozzle isadapted to produce ozonated water in a single pass directly through thenozzle, wherein the ozonated water comprises an ozone concentrationbetween about 1.5 ppm and about 5 ppm.
 19. The nozzle of claim 14,further comprising a seal between the helical mixer and the laminator.20. The nozzle of claim 14, further comprising an injector cap whichholds the laminator and the helical mixer within the nozzle.